Officials Release Results of Results of 2011 Holiday Drunk Driving Enforcement in Indiana River County and Elsewhere

As we recently reported on our South Florida injury Lawyers Blog, the Florida Highway Patrol and many other law enforcement departments across the state joined together over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday to crack down on drunk drivers through the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

We also previously warned drivers about the dangers to be expected on our roadways through the holidays. In 2010, about 40 percent of all car accidents during this season were alcohol-related. Well, the results are in. They conclude that, once again, drunk drivers were still out in full force during the 2011 holiday period.

Our Indiana River County drunk driving accident attorneys understand that enforcement efforts were increased throughout the 18-day holiday period. According to the preliminary results, officers throughout the state issued nearly 40,000 traffic citations and made nearly 510 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during this time. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FHSMV) another 2,000 motorists were issued traffic citations for failing to buckle up. To help to make our roadways safe for everyone in 2012, we’re asking all drivers to stay sober behind the wheel, to wear a seat belt to reduce the risks for injury and to abide by all traffic devices – especially speed limit signs. We can have safer roads if drivers across the state make one of their New Year’s resolutions for 2012 to be a better driver. It’s a simply resolution that everyone can benefit from.

If these holiday-period citations and arrests aren’t enough, preliminary results conclude that more than 110 people were killed in traffic crashes during this short time.

Drivers are asked to be even safer in 2012. With the New Year, we’re asking residents to make safe driving as a New Year’s resolution. Again, safer roadways start with you. Talk with your friends and family members about the dangers and consequences associated with impaired driving and with other irresponsible driving habits.

According to the FHSMV, there were nearly 20,000 alcohol-related accidents Florida in 2010. Of these accidents, nearly 1,000 people were killed. This is the most recently available detailed statistics regarding traffic crash statistics in the state. In these accidents, there were more than 12,000 people who were injured.

Residents are reminded to drive carefully in 2012. We understand that there is a lot to celebrate with every passing year and many toasts will be made with friends and family members throughout that time. We ask that all drivers be safe and avoid driving after consuming alcohol. Alcohol significantly increases your risks for a fatal accident on our roadways. Let’s all work together to make 2012 safer than any other year!
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a drunk driving traffic accident, or if you have suffered an injury from an alcohol-related incident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Gonzalez & Sharp to discuss your rights. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-529-2368.